What esports and Creators Reveal About the Future of Sports with Pete Vlastelica

Power in sports is becoming more distributed, and Pete Vlastelica has seen that shift from nearly every angle: early digital media, league operations, esports, and now venture investing. In this conversation, Pete reflects on how operating through multiple cycles of disruption shapes judgment, partnerships, and long-term strategy in sports and technology. You’ll hear about the operating lessons he carried from building Yardbarker in the early days of user-generated sports content, scaling digital platforms at Fox Sports, and helping professionalize esports at Activision Blizzard.Pete and Dave also explore what those experiences signal for the industry today, including how creator-led distribution and NIL are changing where influence and leverage live, and what leagues, teams, and technology partners need to rethink as power continues to decentralize.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Pete reshaped his thinking on risk, identity, and leadership after losing his home in the Pacific Palisades fireWhy NIL and creator platforms are changing who controls distribution and monetization in sportsHow Yardbarker’s SEO-driven blog network anticipated the creator economy years before social platforms scaledHow esports introduced city-based franchises, global leagues, and fully remote broadcasts without centralized venuesResources and Links:Connect with Pete Vlastelica on LinkedIn and learn more about Elysian Park Ventures on their website.Check out Pete’s book recommendations: Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steve Blank and The Lean Startup by Eric Ries.Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.